The SPCA plans to interview Officer Kara McIntosh, Patton’s handler, about the dog’s death. Officer McIntosh was a member of the force for three years when she was assigned to Patton. She would often take Patton home with her, even when she was off-duty, the Trentonian reported.

The four-year old Golden Retriever was worth over $100,000 because of his training and the specialized vehicle used to transport the K-9 officer and the dog, the source added.